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19th February 2026 07:57 PM 
NIGERIAN SENATE SEEKS SPECIAL FUNDING FOR ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY TO TACKLE EROSION, FLOOD
The Nigerian Senate has called for provision of special funding for Federal Ministry of Environment to tackle erosion, flooding and other environmental challenges across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Olubiyi Fadeyi, made the call when the ministry officials appeared to defend the 2026 budget of the ministry on Thursday.
Fadeyi said fund appropriated annually to the ministry and its agencies was ‘very inadequate’ to tackle the environmental issues, just as he listed the issues that required urgent attention to include: environmental management, erosion control, environmental health, forest protection and other forms of environmental degradation.
Others are: pollution and drainage mitigation as well as coastal flood mitigation.
He stressed the need for ensuring release of appropriated funds for the discharge of the mandates of the ministry, just as he emphasised the importance of Nigeria meeting its environmental obligations and commitments to climate-related organisations.
The senator said that efforts should be intensified on coastal flood mitigation, shoreline protection, forestation, land reclamation processes, agriculture and land repair.
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NIGERIAN SENATE MOURNS AS RIVERS SENATOR MPIGI DIES AT 64
The Nigerian Senate was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the death of the lawmaker representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi.
According to the National Assembly Mpigi died on Thursday at the age of 64 after a brief illness.
Until his death, Mpigi represented Rivers South-East in the 10th National Assembly and chaired the influential Committee on Works, which oversees federal road infrastructure and related projects across the country.
Recall that Mpigi began his legislative career in the House of Representatives, where he was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2016.
He later moved to the Senate in 2019 after winning an election to represent Rivers South-East on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
During the 9th Assembly, he was appointed chairman of a joint Senate committee set up to investigate crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region a critical assignment at a time when the country grappled with declining oil revenues and widespread pipeline vandalism.
News of his death filtered into the Senate chamber during Thursday’s proceedings, casting a sombre mood over lawmakers who had gathered for budget defence sessions.
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DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON—REPS’ WALKOUT SIGN OF DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
The Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has described Tuesday’s walkout by some opposition lawmakers during deliberations on the Electoral Amendment Bill as a reflection of democracy in action and standard parliamentary practice across the world.
Recall that members of the minority caucus had staged a walkout during plenary to protest the House’s position on Clauses 60, 3, and 84 of the Electoral Amendment Bill 2026.
Speaking in an interview in Abuja on Thursday, Agbese maintained that such actions are not unusual in parliamentary systems, just as he cautioned against interpreting the protest as a breakdown of legislative order, stressing that dissent remains an integral part of democratic engagement.
The Deputy spokesperson stressed that the House remains united in its commitment to Nigeria’s democracy and the interests of citizens, despite differences of opinion among members.
On the decision reached regarding Section 60 (3), Agbese clarified that the House had approved mandatory electronic transmission of Form EC8A election results to the IReV portal to ensure that valid votes are fully and accurately captured.
He noted, however, that lawmakers also introduced safeguards to address situations where electronic transmission may not be feasible, allowing for manual transmission under such circumstances.
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POLICE ASSURE FCT RESIDENTS OF PEACEFUL ELECTION ON SATURDAY
The Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command, has enjoined residents in the area councils to come out to vote on Saturday without any fear of attack.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Dantawaye Miller, said this at the enlarged stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja ahead of the area council election.
Miller said that each polling unit would have a reasonable number of security personnel, adding that adequate security measures had been put in place in identified high risk areas, just as he urged political actors to play by the rules to allow for peaceful and credible election.
The Commissioner added that on the part of police and other security agencies, they were ready for the election, stating that there will be massive deployment of policemen and support from other security agencies.
He said that the police and other security agencies would work with INEC to ensure a credible and peaceful election.
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POLICE CONFIRMS MURDER OF ONDO TRADITIONAL RULER BY GUNMEN
The Police Command in Ondo State says gunmen have killed a traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamọ of Agamọ community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
Ondo State Command’s Spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed this in a statement made available to reporters on Thursday in Akure, said the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 7:10 p.m.
Jimoh said the information was received by the division at about 7:50 p.m. from a community leader, Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu.
He added that the information indicated that approximately six-armed men stormed the residence of the traditional ruler, forcibly took him from his compound, and subsequently fled the scene.
According to him, members of the public with credible and actionable information are urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the command.
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BEDC BLAMES NATIONAL GRID CONSTRAINTS FOR WORSENING POWER SUPPLY IN EDO
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, has attributed the worsening electricity supply across its franchise states, including Edo, to reduced power allocation from the national grid.
The company’s spokesperson, Evelyn Gbiwen, who said this in a statement on Thursday in Benin, noted that the outages and load shedding were beyond the control of the company.
She acknowledged that the supply constraints had affected households, businesses, healthcare facilities and socio-economic activities, but said the situation was not a deliberate action by the distribution company.
She explained that the company had experienced a significant reduction in electricity allocation from the national grid.
Gbiwen said this had forced the company to implement load management measures in line with service level agreements across customer bands.
According to her, the situation was not peculiar to the BEDC’s franchise areas, but reflected a nationwide supply challenge affecting electricity distribution companies.
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APPEAL COURT DEPLOYS 51 JUSTICES TO RIVERS STATE
The Court of Appeal on Thursday, deployed 51 Justices to its Port Harcourt Division to hear 357 appeals and 272 motions as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary.
The special commemorative sitting, held in Rivers State, also featured the commissioning of an Alternative Dispute Resolution centre and the honouring of retiring Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said 17 panels were constituted for the exercise, describing it as a deliberate intervention to decongest the heavy docket of the Port Harcourt Division.
She disclosed that the panels, drawn from various divisions of the court, would sit throughout the week in scheduled sessions, with some proceedings taking place at the High Court Complex due to space constraints.
According to her, the initiative reflects the court’s commitment to enhancing the effective administration of justice and tackling the growing volume of pending appeals nationwide.
Justice Dongban-Mensem described the Port Harcourt Division as a notable training ground for Justices, adding that many who passed through the division later rose to the Supreme Court.
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RIVERS STATE ASSEMBLY HALTS IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST GOVERNOR FUBARA
The Rivers State House of Assembly has halted the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Recall that a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction restraining the state assembly from going ahead with its impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngọzi Odu.
Justice F. A. Fiberesima gave the ruling in January, 2026, while granting motions ex parte in the two suits filed by Governor Fubara and Odu, a professor.
Meanwhile, On 8 January, Rivers State House of Assembly began impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.
This is the third attempt by the lawmakers to impeach the Rivers governor since he was elected into office in 2023.
The impeachment move came shortly after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FT, Nyesom Wike, accused the governor of reneging on the terms of a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June last year.
A faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC, aligned with Governor Fubara, immediately rejected the impeachment plot against the governor, calling for a political resolution to the crisis.
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GOVERNOR MOHAMMED OF BAUCH STATE SWEARS IN 8 NEW APPOINTEES, SUSPENDS 1 COMMISSIONER
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has beefed up his cabinet by swearing- in a new Commissioner of Education, five Special Advisers, and two members of the Civil Service Commission,
Speaking during the ceremony on Thursday in Bauchi, the governor said the appointments followed a meticulous assessment of the appointees’ pedigree, experience, and public acceptability.
Governor Mohammed noted that the move was aimed at repositioning government machinery for more effective policy formulation and implementation, just as he congratulated the new officials and charged them to uphold integrity and strengthen service delivery across the state.
He also highlighted the achievements recorded in over six years of his administration including road construction and rehabilitation of schools and health facilities.
Others are agricultural interventions, water supply, economic empowerment and solid mineral development.
The governor emphasised the need for continuity and improvement, calling on the new officials to deploy their knowledge and experience in sustaining developmental momentum.
He expressed confidence in their capacity to advance security, promote women’s empowerment, and drive societal reorientation toward addressing moral decline and reshaping public attitudes.
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117 REPENTANT TERRORISTS’ COMPLETE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME
No fewer than 117 repentant terrorists from Borno State have completed the Disarmament, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor, as the initiative expands to the North West.
This is, as the Benue State Government has requested, the establishment of a DRR camp in the North Central region.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the graduation was disclosed at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Defence Headquarters at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to finalise modalities for transferring rehabilitated clients to national and state authorities for reintegration.
The Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Y. Ali said the 117 graduates completed the DRR process at Mallam Sidi Camp in Borno State.
He described the development as a reflection of improved coordination between federal and state authorities on reception, monitoring and community reintegration.
In the North Central region, Ali disclosed that Benue State had formally requested the establishment of a DRR camp. He added that Defence Headquarters had assessed proposed sites and advised alignment with national infrastructure, security and sustainability standards before approval.
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YOBE STATE LIFTS MIDNIGHT CURFEW FOR RAMADAN
The Government of Yobe State has lifted the midnight curfew imposed across the state to enable residents to observe the Ramadan fast without restrictions.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Dahiru Abdulsalam, announced the decision after a State Security Council meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Idi Gubana.
Abdulsalam said the council reviewed the security situation and resolved to relax the curfew to allow Muslim faithful to carry out religious activities during the fasting period.
He noted that Ramadan features activities such as preaching, seminars, congregational prayers, iftar and Qiyamul Lail, many of which extend late into the night.
The security adviser, however, warned that criminal elements might attempt to take advantage of the period.
He further urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to sustain peace in the state.
Abdulsalam also raised concerns over illegal mining activities in the Gulani axis of Gulani Local Government Area, stating that security operatives were addressing the situation.
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FEDERAL AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA BANS CASH TRANSACTIONS FOR REVENUE PAYMENTS EFFECTIVE FEB. 28
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has banned cash transactions for all services nationwide effective February 28, 2026.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Henry Agbebire on Thursday in Lagos.
FAAN in the statement revealed that the reaffirmation became necessary after executives of the various aviation unions visited the FAAN management to sought clarification on the cessation of cash transactions at airports.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, emphasised that the transition to a cashless system is not only in line with global best practices in aviation management but also consistent with Federal Government directives.
She added that the directive was aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
She referenced a Treasury Circular dated November 24, 2025, issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and signed by the Accountant General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
She noted that the circular mandated the cessation of cash transactions in all government dealings.
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POLICE ARREST U.K EX-PRINCE ANDREW ON SUSPICION OF MISCONDUCT
Britain’s former prince Andrew was on Thursday arrested on suspicion of misconduct during his time as a trade envoy, as UK police investigations into allegations emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein files gathered pace.
Unprecedented in Britain’s modern era, the arrest was a new blow for the ousted royal, who was marking his 66th birthday on Thursday.
Recall that Andrew was stripped of all his titles last year, having been forced out of his former home by his brother King Charles III.
Several UK media reported a fleet of unmarked cars, believed to be police vehicles, were seen arriving early Thursday at the Sandringham estate in eastern England where Andrew now resides.
New revelations last week appeared to show Andrew sent convicted US sex offender Epstein potentially confidential documents during his time as a UK trade envoy.
In a November 2010 email seen by reporters, Andrew appeared to share with Epstein reports on Vietnam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Singapore following an official visit to Asia.
Meanwhile, he had previously denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein.
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DEATH TOLL RISES TO 16 IN PAKISTAN BUILDING EXPLOSION
Police Department have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion as emergency crews continue clearing debris at the site.
Rescue officials said on Thursday that the death toll from a gas explosion at a residential building in Karachi in Pakistan has risen to 16.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Jamshed Asher told local media that the blast occurred at around 4:15 a.m. local time on the first floor of a three-storey building, stating that the building partially collapsed following the explosion, trapping several people beneath the rubble.
State-owned rescue service Rescue 1122 said search and rescue operations were continuing, with an urban search and rescue team and a disaster response vehicle deployed to the scene.
According to a statement from Rescue 1122, the structure comprised small rooms, complicating rescue efforts due to limited space and access.
Meanwhile, the Police Department have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion as emergency crews continue clearing debris at the site.
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HEAD COACH MADUGU NAMES 25 SUPER FALCONS PLAYERS FOR CAMEROON
Coach Justin Madugu has named Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forward Gift Monday make a return to the Super Falcons squad as head coach Justine Madugu names a 25-player roster ahead of a friendly against Cameroon.
The 10-time Women’s African Cup of Nations champions will face the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in a two-match friendly in Yaoundé on Feb. 28 and March 4.
Meanwhile, Okobi-Okeoghene’s last recorded appearance for the country was at the 2022 WAFCON, while Monday was a surprise omission at the 2024 WAFCON played in 2025 in Morocco.
However, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo retained their spots.
England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor received a first-time call-up, as Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke also makes a return to the 10-time African champions.
Midfielder Precious Christopher, based in Tanzania, joins the group as a debutant, while defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashley Plumptre are on the list.
Other midfielders, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi were also included.
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NWFL FINES OSUN BABES N2.5M AFTER MATCH ABANDONMENT
The Nigeria Women’s Football League has fined Osun Babes N2.5m after regulatory breaches led to the abandonment of their 2025/2026 Premiership fixture against FC Robo Queens in Lagos.
The match, scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Onikan Stadium, failed to commence after Osun Babes, listed as the away side, did not provide an alternative kit with clearly displayed names and numbers despite a confirmed colour clash with the home team.
With no compliant change strip available, match officials awarded a walkover to Robo Queens in accordance with league rules.
Following a review, the league ruled on Thursday that the club’s actions violated Article 10.3 of its regulatory framework, which compels visiting teams to adopt their second-choice colours where necessary to avoid clashes.
It also found a breach of Article 10.5, which requires away teams to switch kits if the home side wears its registered first-choice strip. In addition, the failure to honour the fixture without force majeure or acceptable justification contravened Article 14.7.
As a result, Osun Babes were fined N1m for the kit infringement and a further N1.5m for failing to fulfil the fixture, bringing the total sanction to N2.5m.
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